Programmable Optimized Band Switching LNA

ABSTRACT

A front end module (FEM) integrated circuit (IC) architecture that uses the same LNA in each of several frequency bands extending over a wide frequency range. In some embodiments, switched impedance circuits distributed throughout the front end circuit allow selection of the frequency response and impedances that are optimized for particular performance parameters targeted for a desired device characteristic. Such switched impedance circuits tune the output and input impedance match and adjust the gain of the LNA for specific operating frequencies and gain targets. In addition, adjustments to the bias of the LNA can be used to optimize performance trade-offs between the total direct current (DC) power dissipated versus radio frequency (RF) performance. By selecting appropriate impedances throughout the circuit using switched impedance circuits, the LNA can be selectively tuned to operate optimally at a selected bias for operation within selected frequency bands.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION—CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit ofpriority under 35 USC § 120 of, commonly assigned and co-pending priorU.S. application Ser. No. 16/664,646, filed Oct. 25, 2019, entitled“Programmable Optimized Band Switching LNA for Operation in MultipleNarrow-Band Frequency Ranges”, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety, which is a continuation of, andclaims the benefit of priority under 35 USC § 120 of, commonly as-signedand co-pending prior U.S. application Ser. No. 15/910,924, filed Mar. 2,2018, “Programmable Optimized Band Switching LNA for Operation inMultiple Narrow-Band Frequency Ranges”, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,476,453,issued Nov. 12, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety, which is a continuation of and claims thebenefit of priority under 35 USC § 120 of, commonly assigned andco-pending prior U.S. application Ser. No. 15/430,332, filed Feb. 10,2017, “Programmable Optimized Band Switching LNA for Operation inMultiple Narrow-Band Frequency Ranges”, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,941,849,issued Apr. 10, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND (1) Technical Field

This invention generally relates to radio frequency RF front ends, andmore specifically to RF front ends for receivers that receive signals inmultiple narrow-band frequency ranges.

(2) Background

In many instances today, it is useful to have a radio frequency (RF)front end module (FEM) capable of supporting several bands covering awide frequency range. There are significant challenges to designing ahigh performance low noise amplifier (LNA) for use in a RF FEM that canoperate in several bands spread over a wide frequency range. In someembodiments, an attempt to overcome these challenges is made by usingseveral narrowband LNAs, each covering a subset of the bands in whichthe FEM is required to operate. However, providing several LNAs requiressignificant allocation of area on the integrated circuit (IC) on whichthe LNAs are fabricated. The cost of the IC is proportional to the sizeof the IC (i.e., the amount of “real estate” required). Therefore,relying on several narrowband LNAs significantly increases the overallcost of the IC.

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic of an RF front end circuit 100 thatuses several LNAs to support operations in multiple bands over a widerange of frequencies. The front end circuit 100 is shown with only thosecomponents that are relevant to the present discussion. Additionalcomponents that are typically provided in the front end circuit 100 arenot shown in FIG. 1 to reduce the complexity of the figure and theassociated discussion. Each LNA 102 comprises two FETs 104, 106operating in a cascode configuration. The first FET is configured as a“common source” input FET 104. The second FET is configured as a“cascode” output FET 106. The input signal is applied to an input port108 of the front end circuit 100. The input port 108 is coupled to anantenna switch 109. The antenna switch 109 couples a received signal toone of several filters 111, 113, 115. Each filter is tuned to a selectfrequency band. The output of each filter 111, 113, 115 is coupled tothe input of one of the LNAs 102, depending upon the particularfrequency band of the signals applied to the input port 108. The outputof each filter is coupled to an input impedance matching circuit 110associated with the selected LNA 102. The output of the matching circuit110 is coupled to the gate of the input FET 104 of the selected LNA 102.In some cases, the impedance matching circuit 110 comprises aseries-coupled inductor 112 and capacitor 114. The frequency response ofeach LNA 102 is tuned to align with the frequency response of eachfilter 111, 113, 115. The values of the inductor 112 and the capacitor114 of each matching network are also tuned to match the outputimpedance of the filter (e.g., 50 ohms) to the LNA input impedance forthe frequency band over which the selected LNA 102 is to operate. A loadinductor 116 is coupled between the drain of the output FET 106 and asupply source VDD. The output of the LNA is taken from the drain of theoutput FET 106. An output matching circuit comprising a capacitor 118couples the output of the LNA to a front end output port 120. The valuesof the components in the output matching circuit (such as thecapacitance of the capacitor 118) are selected to tune the outputimpedance to match the load to which the LNA 102 is to be coupled. Insome cases, the outputs from each LNA 102 are provided to an output port120 of the front end circuit 100. In other cases, the outputs areselected by an LNA output switch 122 that is “ganged” together (i.e.,switches in coordination) with the antenna switch 109.

In light of the significant amount of IC “real estate” required tofabricate multiple LNAs 102, it can be seen that there is a need for afront end architecture suitable for use with multiple frequency bandsand that does not require multiple LNAs. The present invention meetsthis need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A front end circuit architecture is disclosed that uses the same LNA ineach of several frequency bands extending over a wide frequency range.The LNA comprises two transistors, such as field effect transistors(FETs). The first FET is a “common source” configured input FET. Thesecond FET is a “common gate” cascode configured output FET. In someembodiments, switched impedance circuits distributed throughout thefront end circuit allow selection of the frequency response andimpedances that are optimized for particular performance parameterstargeted for a desired device characteristic. The particular performanceparameters may be any one or combination of factors, such as noisefigure, g_(m)/(2πC_(gs)), C_(gs), etc., where g_(m) is transconductanceand C_(gs) is gate to source capacitance in the FETs of the LNA.

In some embodiments, one switched impedance circuit is coupled betweenthe gate of the LNA input FET and ground. An additional switchedimpedance circuit is coupled between the gate and source of an LNA inputFET. Yet another switched impedance circuit is coupled between the drainof the LNA output FET and ground. Lastly, a switched impedance circuitis coupled in parallel with an output impedance matching circuit.Several embodiments are possible, since each of these switched impedancecircuit can be provide either alone or in combination with one or moreof the other switched impedance circuits.

In addition, adjustments to the bias of the LNA can be used to optimizeperformance trade offs between the total direct current (DC) powerdissipated versus radio frequency (RF) performance. By selectingappropriate impedances throughout the circuit using switched impedancecircuits, the LNA can be selectively tuned to operate optimally at aselected bias for operation within selected frequency bands.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic of a front end circuit that usesseveral LNAs to support operations in multiple bands over a wide rangeof frequencies.

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic of relevant components of a front endcircuit including one LNA that is configurable for use in multiplefrequency bands over a wide frequency range.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one example of a frequency map showingmultiple frequency bands over a wide frequency range over which the LNAoperates.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a switched impedance circuit (SIC) in whichthe two-port network comprises three legs, each having a series-coupledswitch and capacitor in parallel with the other legs.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the difference between the frequencyresponse of an LNA operating with a wideband LNA tuned for operationover the full range of desired frequencies verses an LNA with SICs toselect between a low frequency range and a high frequency range.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the noise figure over the frequency rangeof interest.

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic of an embodiment in which adegeneration SIC is used to select an appropriate inductance value to becoupled between the source of the input FET and ground.

FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic of an embodiment in which in anadditional active branch of FETs can be activated.

FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic of a front end circuit similar to thatshown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic of an embodiment in which several SICscan be used in parallel to provide the ability to tune the LNA for usein several different frequency bands.

FIG. 11 is a simplified schematic of an embodiment in which addingadditional capacitance at the input of the LNA might not provide anoptimal embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method in accordance with some embodimentsfor amplifying signals over at least two frequency ranges, eachincluding at least one frequency band.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic of relevant components of a front endcircuit 200 including one LNA 202 that is configurable for use inmultiple frequency bands over a wide frequency range. As shown in FIG.2, the front end circuit 202 has only one amplifier input for inputsignals of all frequencies to be coupled to the LNA 202. In someembodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus, the LNA 202 includestwo transistors, such as field effect transistors (FETs) 204, 206. Thefirst FET 204 is configured as a “common source” input FET. The secondFET 206 is configured as a “common gate” output FET (or “cascode”configured output FET). In some embodiments, other types of transistorsmay be used, including, but not limited to, bipolar junctiontransistors. Furthermore, any type of FET may be used to implement theLNA, including, but not limited to metal-oxide semiconductors (MOSFETs),junction field effect transistors (JFETs), insulated gate FETs (IGFETs),metal semiconductor FETs (MESFETs), etc. While some types of transistorsmay be better suited to particular applications, the concepts associatedwith the disclosed method and apparatus do not exclude the use of anyparticular type of transistor. Still further, the LNA can be implementedeither using a single transistor or with additional transistors withinan LNA either as additional amplifier stages or stacked with those FETs204, 206 that are shown.

In accordance with some such embodiments, an input signal is applied toan Input Port 208. An inductive element, such as an inductor 210,couples the signal to the gate of the input FET 204. In someembodiments, a degeneration inductance 211 is coupled between the sourceof the input FET 204 and ground. However, in other embodiments, thesource of the FET 204 is coupled directly to ground. In some suchembodiments, the conductor to ground provides sufficient inductanceunder some conditions. In addition, a load inductance 213 is coupledbetween the drain of the output FET 206 and the LNA power supply VDD.The output of the LNA 202 is taken from the source of the output FET 206and coupled to a front end output port 215 by an output matchingcircuit, which in the simplest embodiment is a capacitor 217.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one example of a frequency map showingmultiple frequency bands over a wide frequency range within which theLNA 202 operates. The frequency range in which the LNA 202 can operatemay include one or more frequency bands. In some embodiments, theoperation of the LNA is split into two frequency ranges: a highfrequency range 301 and a low frequency range 303. In some embodiments,the high frequency range 301 includes two frequency bands 305, 307.While the frequency map of FIG. 3 shows two frequency bands 305, 307within the high frequency range 301, in other embodiments, several morefrequency bands may be present within the high frequency range 301.Similarly, the low frequency range 303 is shown to have two frequencybands 309, 311, yet in other embodiments, several more frequency bandsmay be present in the low frequency range 303. Frequency bands withineach frequency range can be either contiguous or noncontiguous.Similarly, while only two frequency ranges 301, 303 are shown, in otherembodiments, the LNA 202 may operate at frequencies that lie withinseveral additional frequency ranges.

The frequencies shown in FIG. 3 are one example in which the front endcircuit 200 is for use in a multi-band cellular phone capable ofoperating at frequencies used in multiple countries. The low frequencyrange 303 includes a first band (LF BAND 1) 309 at 800 MHz and a secondband (LF BAND 2) 311 at 900 MHz. The high frequency range 301 includes afirst band (HF BAND 1) 305 at 1800 MHz and a second band (HF BAND 2) 307at 1900 MHz. In yet another example, the low frequency range includes aLF band at 700 MHz and the high frequency range includes a highfrequency band at 2700 MHz.

In some embodiments, a parallel-coupled output switched impedancecircuit (SIC) 219 is provided to allow the output impedance of the LNA202 to be tuned to the particular frequency range 301, 303. In someembodiments, the SIC 219 is placed in parallel with the output impedancematching network. In some such embodiments, the output impedancematching network is merely the capacitor 217, as shown in FIG. 2. Inaccordance with some embodiments, the SIC 219 has a first terminal 225and second terminal 227. A capacitor 221 and a switch 223 are placed inseries between the first and second terminals 225, 227. In someembodiments, it is advantageous to have the capacitor 221 coupled to thedrain of the FET 206 in order to act as a DC block to currents thatmight otherwise leak through the switch 223. However, in someembodiments, the SIC 219 can be reversed. That is, the first terminaland the second terminal can be reversed. Accordingly, in suchembodiments it does not matter which terminal is connected to the LNAoutput and which terminal is connected to the front end output port 215.Furthermore, the SIC 219 can include any component or network ofcomponents forming a two-port network capable of providing impedance inthe generalized form of a+bj. Furthermore, while for the sake ofsimplicity, the switch 216 is assumed to be a digitally controlledsolid-state switch, any variable impedance device capable ofcontrollably altering the impedance presented by the switched impedancecircuit can be used.

In some embodiments, when operating in either HF BAND 1 or HF BAND 2,the SIC 219 is active (i.e., the switch 223 is closed). Activating theSIC 219 tunes the output impedance of the LNA 202 to a value thatprovides a match in the high frequency range 301. Alternatively, whenoperating in either LF BAND 1 or LF BAND 2, the SIC 219 is deactivated,causing the output impedance of the LNA 202 to more closely match thedesired output impedance when operating in the low frequency range. Asnoted above, in other embodiments, the components of the SIC 219 caninclude other impedance altering components configured as a two-portswitchable network. Such components can include inductors, resistors,additional capacitors etc. that can be coupled to form a switchabletwo-port network. The components within the two-port network of the SIC219 can be configured either in series or parallel to allow the outputimpedance of the LNA 202 to be matched to a load as is appropriate fordifferent frequency ranges by activating and deactivating the SIC 219.

In some embodiments, the LNA 202 further includes a shunt-coupled outputSIC 229. The SIC 229 has a first terminal 233 connected to the drain ofthe output FET 206 and a second terminal 231 connected to ground. Insome embodiments, the SIC 229 is provided together with the SIC 219. Inother embodiments, the LNAs 202 does not have an SIC 219. Similar to theparallel-coupled output SIC 219, the shunt-coupled output SIC 229 isessentially a two-port switchable network. The SIC 229 has a network ofimpedance altering components, such as capacitors, inductors andresistors connected configured as a two-port network between the firstand second terminal 231, 233 of the SIC 229. In some embodiments, thetwo-port network includes a switch 235 and capacitor 237 coupled inseries between the first terminal 231 and the second terminal 233 of theSIC 229. The SIC 229 can be used to assist in tuning the output match.Depending upon the number of frequency ranges for which the LNA 202 canbe tuned, the parallel-coupled SIC 219 and the shunt-coupled output SIC229 can be either switched independently or together (i.e., “ganged”together) such that if one SIC is active, the other is active as well.

In some embodiments, the LNA 202 further includes an input shunt SIC 239coupled between the gate of the input FET 204 and the source of theinput FET 204. The SIC 239 can be used either with one or with both ofthe previously discussed SICs 219, 229. The SIC 239 can be two-portnetwork identical to one or both of the SICs 219, 229 or have adifferent range of impedances, different switch mechanism or both. TheSIC 239 is in parallel with the gate to source capacitance C_(gs) of theinput FET 204. Accordingly, for different frequency ranges, addingadditional capacitance in parallel to C_(gs) can tune the input match byadjusting the series resonance consisting of the inductance 210, thegate to source capacitance C_(gs) and the inductor 211. In someembodiments, the two-port network of SIC 239 includes a capacitor 241and a switch 243. In such embodiments, activating the SIC 239 tunes theinput match down in frequency. In addition, noise figure is proportionalto C_(gs) and also proportional to the operating frequency. Therefore,increasing C_(gs) by closing the switch 243 offsets the reduction in theoperating frequency that occurs when operating in the lower frequencybands. Furthermore, tuning the output network down in frequencygenerally increases the LNA gain. Switching in additional capacitance inthe SIC 239, however, reduces the gain, thus offsetting the increase ingain and providing self-compensation for gain in both frequency ranges.Furthermore, the parasitic capacitance when the switch 243 is off (i.e.,in the high frequency range) will offset the loss introduced by theswitch when the switch 243 is on (i.e., in the low frequency range).Accordingly, selection of the size of the switch can assist in balancingthese factors in the two frequency ranges.

In yet another embodiment, the LNA 202 has an input parallel SIC 249coupled between the gate of the input FET 204 and ground. The SIC 249can be used with any one or more of the other SICs 219, 229, 239. Insome such embodiments, the SIC 249 includes a capacitor 214 in serieswith a switch 216. Turning on and off the SIC 249 alters the inputimpedance. Therefore, when the front end circuit operates in twodifferent frequency ranges, each having one or more frequency bands, oneof the two switch positions of the SIC 249 can be selected to set theinput impedance to a value appropriate for a selected one of the twofrequency ranges. For example, when the switch 214 is closed, theimpedance is such that the input impedance looking into the front endcircuit input port 208 will match the impedance of the source coupled tothe front end circuit input port 208 when operating at frequencieswithin the first frequency range. Alternatively, when the switch 214 isopen, the impedance looking into the front end circuit input port 208will match the source coupled to the front end circuit input port 208when operating at frequencies within the second frequency range.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a SIC 419 in which the two-port networkcomprises three legs 420, each having a series-coupled switch 423 andcapacitor 421 in parallel with the other legs. In some embodiments, thereactances in each leg can be band specific (i.e., selected to service aparticular frequency band), or otherwise unrelated to one another.Alternatively, the reactances are proportional to one another, as is thecase for binary weighted reactances. In yet other embodiments, thereactances are uniformly weighted, as in thermometer coded embodiments.In yet other embodiments, the reactances are a unique hybrid combinationof values.

In one example of a binary weighed embodiment having capacitors 421, thecapacitance of the first leg is half that of the second leg, which ishalf that of the third leg. By selectively opening and closing theswitches 423 in various combinations, one of eight different values ofimpedance can be selected. Accordingly, using this configuration for oneor more of the SICs 219, 229, 239, 249 of FIG. 2, the LNA 202 can to betuned for operation in any of eight different frequency ranges.Similarly, various other SICs are possible which allow an impedance tobe selected from among a range of impedances. However, if more than twofrequency ranges can be selected, a performance penalty is incurred dueto increases in the parasitics that result from introducing moreswitchable capacitors. Therefore, tradeoffs are required to beconsidered between the number of frequency ranges that are provided andthe desired performance.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the difference between the frequencyresponse of an LNA operating with a wideband LNA tuned for operationover the full range of desired frequencies verses an LNA with SICs 219,229, 239, 249 to select between a low frequency range 502 and a highfrequency range 504. A first curve 506 illustrates the operation of awideband LNA designed to operate in both the low frequency range 502 andthe high frequency range 504. A second curve 508 shows the frequencyresponse of the LNA 202 optimized for operation in the lower frequencyrange 502 by placing the SICs 219, 229, 239, 249 in the appropriatestate. A third curve 510 shows the frequency response for an LNA 202 inwhich the switches are set to the appropriate state for operation in thehigh frequency range 504. It can be seen the gain is higher in higher inboth the low frequency range 502 and the high frequency range 504 whenthe LNA 202 is tuned using the SICs 219, 229, 239, 249. In addition, thefrequency response is flatter in both the low frequency range 502 andthe high frequency range 504.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the noise figure over the frequency rangeof interest. A first curve 602 shows the noise figure for the LNA 202operating in a low frequency range 604. A second curve 606 shows the LNA202 operating in a high frequency range 608. It can be seen from thefigure that the noise figure is both lower and more consistent in thedesired frequency range when the LNA is operated with the SICs 219, 229,239, 249 placed in the low frequency range state when operating in thelow frequency range and in the high frequency state when operating inthe high frequency range. Furthermore, the noise figure in the lowfrequency range, when operating with the SICs in the low frequencystate, is essentially the same as the noise figure when the SICs are inthe high frequency state and the LNA is operating in the high frequencyrange (i.e., approximately 1.2 dB). It should be noted that the size ofthe switch is a factor that should be considered in order to achieve thebest possible performance with minimum noise figure and gain effects.

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic of an embodiment in which adegeneration SIC 702 is used to select an appropriate inductance valueto be coupled between the source of the input FET 204 and ground. Aninductor 704 is coupled in series with a switch 706 within the SIC 702.The SIC 702 is put in parallel with the inductor 211. Accordingly, whenthe switch 706 is closed, the inductance coupled between the source ofthe input FET 204 and ground decreases due to the parallel inductance ofthe two inductors 704, 211 to assist with tuning the input impedancematch. In some embodiments, the inductance 211 can be provided using theground routing as the initial value to be augmented by the inductance704 provided by the SIC 702.

In addition to the use of SICs 219, 229, 239, 249, 702, adjustments tothe bias levels as controlled by signals applied to the gate of theoutput FET 206 can be used to optimize the performance of the LNA 202.As the bias level of the LNA 202 changes, the values for the impedancesat various points in the LNA 202 can be adjusted using the SICs 219,229, 239, 249, 702. In some embodiments, the bias can be shifted toprovide greater source current through the two FETs 204, 206. Increasingthe source current through the LNA 202 increases the linearity of theLNA 202 at the expense of power efficiency (i.e., increased linearitywith greater DC power dissipation).

In some embodiments, a bias control module 708 provides a signal to thegate of the output FET 206 to control the bias current through the LNA202. In some embodiments, the bias control module 708 is alsoresponsible for controlling the switching of the SICs 219, 229, 239,249, 702. For the sake of simplicity, the control inputs to the switchesfor each of the SICs 219, 229, 239, 249, 702 are not shown. However,those skilled in the art will understand that the switches can becontrolled using a digital impedance selection signal coupled to aninput of the switches 216, 223, 235, 243, 706, such as to the gates ofFETs used to implement the switches 216, 223, 235, 243, 706.Alternatively, analog signals can be generated and coupled to theswitches to modulate the effect of the SICs 219, 229, 239, 249, 702. Inother embodiments, the switching within the SICs 219, 229, 239, 249, 702can be implemented by commonly known switch circuits that do not includeFETs, such as diodes or directly by varying the impedance of a variableimpedance device, such as a barium strontium titanate (BST) capacitor orsimilarly voltage-controlled inductance.

In some embodiments, the bias control module 708 is implemented usingdedicated discrete circuitry, a state machine or a programmableprocessor. In some embodiments, the bias control module 708 receivesinputs from a central control processor (not shown) that determines thedesired operational mode, including selecting between operationalperformance and power efficiency, and selecting the frequency range incoordination with the frequency of signals applied to the front endcircuit input port 208. In some such embodiments, the selection can bemade based on detection of the frequency that is applied to the frontend circuit input port 208. Alternatively, the selection is made basedon selection input signals based on user input or signals received fromother components of the system in which the LNA 202 is being used, suchas from a central processor of a cellular telephone.

By allowing selective tuning of various SICs 219, 229, 239, 249, 702throughout the LNA design, input tuning, output tuning and performanceparameters, such as noise figure, gain, linearity, input return loss,output return loss, etc. can be adjusted and optimized for particularfrequency bands within frequency ranges, and tradeoffs can bedynamically made between performance parameters, such as gain and noisefigure versus linearity. In addition, SICs 219, 229, 239, 249, 702 canbe designed to allow selection of 2 or more operating frequency rangesto which the LNA is particularly optimized. In some cases, the operatingfrequency ranges can be close together (i.e., less than 5% of bandwidth)or relatively far apart (i.e., high frequency band being 3 to 4 timesthe bandwidth of the low frequency band). In addition, in someembodiments, the LNA can be designed to include several SICs 219, 229,239, 249, 702, with selection as to whether to activate all of the SICs219, 229, 239, 249, 702 being made dynamically during operation.Alternatively, a subset of the SICs 219, 229, 239, 249, 702 can bedesigned into the LNA 202, allowing for a smaller and more efficientdesign when the total flexibility of all of the SICs 219, 229, 239, 249,702 is not necessary. The particular selection of which SICs 219, 229,239, 249, 702 are to be provided in any particular LNA 202 depends uponthe design tradeoffs that are of interest to at the time of the design.

FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic of an embodiment of a front end 800 inwhich an additional active branch of FETs 801, 803 can be activated forgreater output power, linearity, or performance versus frequencybenefits. In some embodiments, the second set of FETs 801, 803 areactivated by closing a gate switch 805 coupled between the gate of theinput FET 801 in the first branch and the gate of the input FET 204 inthe second branch. Accordingly, the gate of the input FET 801 isswitchably connected to the gate of the input FET 204. In addition, insome embodiments, the gate of the output FET 803 is coupled to the BiasControl Module 708. The Bias Control Module 708 applies a bias to thegate of the output FET 803 to allow the second branch of the LNA toconduct current. In addition, in some embodiments, a source switch 807can also (or alternatively) be used to couple the source of the inputFET 801 to the source of the input FET 204 when the second branch isactive. When the second branch is not active, the FETs 801, 803 can bedisconnected by one or both of the switches 807, 805. In addition, asignal can be applied by the Bias Control Module 708 to the gate of theoutput FET 803 to stop current from flowing in the second branch.Furthermore, in some embodiments, a gate switch 809 can be closed topull the gate of the input FET 801 to ground to ensure that FET 801remains off (does not pick up any stray induced signals). Any one orcombination of these control mechanisms can be used to control theactivation of the second branch.

Adding the FETs 801, 803 has the effect of increasing the C_(gs)(capacitance between the gate and source of the first input FET 204,while simultaneously increasing the g_(m) (i.e., transconductance of theLNA). This has several performance benefits, including less degradationof the gain and noise figure when the LNA is operating at lowerfrequencies. Opening the gate switch 805 removes the C_(gs) of the inputFET 801 from being in parallel with the C_(gs) of the input FET 204. Inaddition, in some embodiments, an optional bias signal on bias controlline 817 can be applied by the Bias Control Module 708 (or by othermeans) to the gates of the active input FETs 204, 801. Controlling thebias level to the gates of the active input FETs 204, 801 can providefurther control of the input impedance and transconductance whenoperating at different frequencies. In some such embodiments, anoptional DC blocking capacitor 819 is placed between the bias controlline 817 and the Input Port 208. Bias control lines (not shown) can becoupled to the gates of other branches 801 where more than one branch isprovided. In some such cases, DC blocking capacitors (not shown) canblock the bias applied to one gate from affecting the bias of the othergates. The second pair of FETs 801, 803 can be used in conjunction withall of the SICs previously discussed. Furthermore, in some embodiments,more than 2 branches can be provided. In some embodiments, FETs caneither be the same or have different sizes, types, stack heights andbiasing.

Further shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8 is an additional SIC 811placed in parallel with the load inductor 213 (i.e., coupled between VDDand the drain of the output FET 206). This SIC 811 comprises animpedance element, such as a capacitor 813, and a switch 815 coupled inseries with the impedance element 813. The SIC 811 can assist withoutput impedance matching.

FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic of a front end circuit similar to thatshown in FIG. 8. However, an additional SIC 911 having a resistiveelement 913 in series with a switch 915 is placed in parallel with theload inductor 213 to reduce the Q of the inductor 213, thus providing ameans for adjusting the gain of the LNA for different frequency ranges.The gain of the LNA changes in different frequency bands when theadditional capacitor 813 is switched in. That is, more gain is realizedin lower frequency bands with the switch 815 closed. Closing the switch915 adds the resistor 913 to reduce the gain and thus assist inachieving the same gain in all bands. In some embodiments, the switches815, 915 are implemented as stacked FETs. In some such embodiments,three FETs are stacked in series within the SICs 811, 911. Similar tothe front end circuit 200, the front end circuit 900, nonetheless, hasonly one amplifier input through which input signals are coupled to theinput FETs 204, 801.

FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic of an embodiment in which several SICscan be used in parallel to provide the ability to tune the LNA for usein several different frequency bands. For example, in one embodiment inwhich the LNA can accommodate 3 frequency bands, a second SIC 239 b iscoupled in parallel with the first SIC 239 a. Likewise, a second SIC 249b is coupled in parallel with a first SIC 249 a. In addition, twoparallel coupled SICs 219 a, 219 b and two parallel coupled SICs 229 a,229 b provide load matching for three frequency bands. Furthermore, asecond SIC 811 b is provided in parallel with the first SIC 811 a toprovide additional tuning for the three frequency bands. Similar to thefront end circuit 200, the front end circuit 1000, nonetheless, has onlyone amplifier input through which input signals are coupled to the inputFETs 204, 801.

FIG. 11 is a simplified schematic of an embodiment in which addingadditional capacitance at the input of the LNA might not provide anoptimal embodiment. In some such cases, a second SIC 811 b is placed inparallel with the first SIC 811 a, however, only one SIC 239 and onlyone SIC 249 are provided. Similar to the front end circuit 200, thefront end circuit 1100 has only one amplifier input through whichsignals are coupled to the input FETs 204, 801.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method in accordance with some embodimentsfor amplifying signals over at least two frequency ranges, eachincluding at least one frequency band. The method in accordance with oneembodiment includes providing a front end circuit having an LNA and atleast one SIC 219, 229, 239, 249, 702 (STEP1201). Each SICs 219, 229,239, 249, 702, 811 allows the impedance between a first terminal of theSICs 219, 229, 239, 249, 702, 811 and a second terminal of the SICs 219,229, 239, 249, 702, 811 to be selected based on an input control signal.In at least one embodiment, the control signal is a digital signalapplied to the gate of a FET switch within the SICs 219, 229, 239, 249,702, 811. In some embodiments, the SICs 219, 229, 239, 249, 702 furtherincludes a reactive device, such as a capacitor or inductor coupled inseries with the switch. In other embodiments, one or more of the SICs219, 229, 239, 249, 702, 811 provide a complex impedance coupled inseries with a switch. In some embodiments, providing the front endcircuit includes providing an LNA having one or more of the followingSICs 219, 229, 239, 249, 702, 811:

-   -   a first SIC 219 placed between the drain of an output FET of the        LNA 202 and the front end output port 215 and placed in parallel        with an output matching circuit 217;    -   a second SIC 229 placed between the drain of an output FET of        the LNA 202 and ground;    -   a third SIC 239 placed between the gate and source of an input        FET of the LNA 202;    -   a fourth SIC 249 placed between the gate of an input FET of the        LNA 202 and ground;    -   a fifth SIC 702 coupled between the drain of an input FET of the        LNA 202 and ground and parallel to an inductance 211; and    -   a sixth SIC 811 coupled in parallel with the load inductance        213.

The method further includes selecting an operating frequency range fromat least two frequency ranges (STEP1203). Selecting an impedance to beimposed by the SICs 219, 229, 239, 249, 702, 811 based on the selectedfrequency range (STEP1205,1207). In some such embodiments, selecting theimpedance includes applying a control signal to the SICs 219, 229, 239,249, 702, 811. In some embodiments, applying the control signal includesapplying the control signal to the gate of a FET switch to selectbetween placing the FET in a conducting state or alternatively, in anon-conducting state.

As should be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art,various embodiments of the invention can be implemented to meet a widevariety of specifications. Thus, selection of suitable component valuesare a matter of design choice (so long as the frequencies of interestmentioned above can be handled). The switching and passive elements maybe implemented in any suitable integrated circuit (IC) technology,including but not limited to MOSFET and IGFET structures. Integratedcircuit embodiments may be fabricated using any suitable substrates andprocesses, including but not limited to standard bulk silicon,silicon-on-insulator (SOI), silicon-on-sapphire (SOS), GaAs pHEMT, andMESFET processes. Voltage levels may be adjusted or voltage polaritiesreversed depending on a particular specification and/or implementingtechnology (e.g., NMOS, PMOS, or CMOS). Component voltage, current, andpower handling capabilities may be adapted as needed, for example, byadjusting device sizes, “stacking” components to handle greatervoltages, and/or using multiple components in parallel to handle greatercurrents.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. It is tobe understood that various modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, some of thesteps described above may be order independent, and thus can beperformed in an order different from that described. It is to beunderstood that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate andnot to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scopeof the following claims, and that other embodiments are within the scopeof the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A front-end circuit including: (a) an input portconfigured to receive a single input signal from a selected one of atleast two frequency ranges; (b) an output port providing an amplifiedversion of the received input signal; (c) a low noise amplifier (LNA)including an input coupled to the input port and an output coupled tothe output port; (d) an output impedance matching network coupledbetween the LNA output and the output port; and (e) an output switchedimpedance circuit (SIC) including at least two selectable impedancevalues and parallel-coupled between the LNA output and the front-endoutput port.
 2. The invention of claim 1, wherein the output SICincludes at least one selectable capacitance.
 3. The invention of claim1, wherein the LNA further includes a first input transistor including asource, and further including a degeneration SIC including at least twoselectable impedance values and coupled between the source of the firstinput transistor of the LNA and ground.
 4. The invention of claim 3,wherein the degeneration SIC includes at least one selectableinductance.
 5. The invention of claim 1, wherein the LNA furtherincludes a first input transistor including a gate and a source, andfurther including an input shunt SIC including at least two selectableimpedance values and coupled between the gate and the source of thefirst input transistor of the LNA.
 6. The invention of claim 5, whereinthe input shunt SIC includes at least one selectable capacitance.
 7. Theinvention of claim 1, further including an input parallel SIC includingat least two selectable impedance values and coupled between the inputof the LNA and ground.
 8. The invention of claim 7, wherein the inputparallel SIC includes at least one selectable capacitance.
 9. Theinvention of claim 1, further including a shunt-coupled output SICincluding at least two selectable impedance values and between theoutput of the LNA and ground.
 10. The invention of claim 9, wherein theoutput shunt SIC includes at least one selectable capacitance.
 11. Theinvention of claim 1, further including a load impedance coupled betweena voltage source and the output of the LNA, and at least one load SICincluding at least two selectable impedance values and coupled inparallel with the load impedance.
 12. The invention of claim 11, whereinthe load SIC includes at least one selectable capacitance.
 13. Theinvention of claim 11, wherein the load SIC includes at least oneselectable resistance.
 14. The invention of claim 1, wherein thefront-end circuit is configured for operation in multiple narrow-bandradio frequency ranges.
 15. A front-end circuit including: (a) an inputport configured to receive a single input signal from a selected one ofat least two frequency ranges; (b) an output port providing an amplifiedversion of the received input signal; (c) a cascode low noise amplifier(LNA) including an input coupled to the input port and an output coupledto the output port, the LNA including a first input transistor includinga gate coupled to the LNA input and a source; (d) an output impedancematching network coupled between the LNA output and the output port; (e)an output switched impedance circuit (SIC) including at least twoselectable impedance values and parallel-coupled between the LNA outputand the front-end output port; (f) an input parallel SIC including atleast two selectable impedance values and coupled between the gate ofthe first input transistor of the LNA and ground; (g) a shunt-coupledoutput SIC including at least two selectable impedance values andbetween the output of the LNA and ground; and (h) an input shunt SICincluding at least two selectable impedance values and coupled betweenthe gate and the source of the first input transistor of the LNA. 16.The invention of claim 15, wherein the LNA is a cascode LNA.
 17. Theinvention of claim 15, wherein the front-end circuit is configured foroperation in multiple narrow-band radio frequency ranges.